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Embracing the Extraordinary

It was an ordinary Tuesday afternoon when Sarah, a busy single mother, found herself stuck in a stressful situation. Her car had broken down in the middle of a deserted highway. With no phone signal and a growing sense of helplessness, she prayed for a miracle. Minutes later, a man in a pickup truck appeared out of nowhere, offering her help. He had all the tools she needed to get back on the road, and just as suddenly as he had arrived, he drove off, disappearing into the horizon. Sarah was left stunned and deeply grateful. What felt like a random occurrence had the feeling of something much more profound—a miracle.

Miracles are often seen as rare, otherworldly events, but what if we told you that they might be happening around you all the time? They don’t always have to be grand, dramatic moments—sometimes, they’re simple acts of kindness or perfect timing. Miracles, in their many forms, are an invitation to believe in the possibility of the extraordinary, even within the seemingly mundane.

The Merits of Miracles

Miracles have a unique ability to shift our perspective. They remind us that there is more to life than just the ordinary course of events. When we experience something miraculous, whether it’s finding the solution to a problem, a moment of pure synchronicity, or a breathtaking natural occurrence, we are reminded of the mystery and wonder of existence. Miracles invite us to pause, reflect, and feel a sense of awe, which can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and mental well-being.

Furthermore, miracles can inspire us to believe in the interconnectedness of the universe. They help us recognize that we are not isolated beings, but part of a larger, often unseen, pattern. When we embrace this, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, greater compassion, and deeper connections with those around us.

Tips for Seeing and Embracing Miracles

  1. Cultivate Gratitude: The first step to recognizing miracles is learning to appreciate the small moments. By practicing gratitude daily, you begin to notice the beauty and magic that already exists around you. Whether it’s a friendly smile, a clear sky after a storm, or the unexpected help of a stranger, gratitude allows you to see the miracles in your life more clearly.
  2. Stay Open to Possibilities: Miracles often come in unexpected forms. They might not look like what we imagine or desire. Being open to the unknown allows you to embrace the miraculous when it arrives, even if it defies your expectations.
  3. Trust Your Intuition: Intuition can be a powerful guide in recognizing miracles. When you feel a sense of knowing or a gut feeling that something special is about to happen, trust it. Many miraculous events begin as a nudge or an instinct, leading us to a transformative experience.
  4. Look for Patterns and Synchronicities: Miracles often arrive as perfect synchronicities—events that seem to align in the most meaningful ways. Pay attention to the patterns in your life, the times when things just seem to fall into place, and the surprising connections that appear at the right time.
  5. Embrace Faith: Belief in miracles doesn’t necessarily require a religious framework; it simply requires a sense of faith—faith in the unseen, the possible, and the greater good. Even in moments of doubt, holding onto a sense of trust can open the door to miraculous experiences.

Miracles are all around us, waiting to be discovered and embraced. By cultivating gratitude, staying open, trusting our intuition, recognizing synchronicities, and embracing faith, we can invite more miracles into our lives. Perhaps, as Sarah learned that day on the highway, we don’t always need to look far to find them—they might be closer than we think.

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Paying it forward

A cold winter evening in a small town is the backdrop for a story that resonates with the power of giving. Sarah, a young mother, stood at the grocery store checkout, her arms laden with essentials for her family. The total was more than she expected, and she found herself fumbling for her wallet, realizing it was a bit lighter than she anticipated. Behind her, an elderly woman noticed the situation and quietly stepped forward, paying for Sarah’s groceries without a second thought. “Don’t worry about it,” the woman said with a warm smile, leaving Sarah with a profound sense of gratitude.

This simple act of kindness, though small in monetary terms, rippled out far beyond the grocery store. For Sarah, it wasn’t just the groceries that mattered—it was the reminder that kindness exists even in the toughest of times. She later paid it forward by volunteering at a local food pantry, helping others in need. This story illustrates the profound impact of charitable giving—not just for the receiver but for the giver as well.

Charitable giving doesn’t always have to come in the form of money; it can be time, goods, or services. But regardless of how it’s given, there are numerous benefits that make it an essential practice in any community.

  1. Building Stronger Communities: When individuals contribute to a cause, whether through financial support or volunteering, they help create a more cohesive and supportive environment. For instance, organizations like Habitat for Humanity not only provide housing but also strengthen bonds between volunteers, home recipients, and the larger community.
  2. Enhancing Mental Health: Giving can have powerful emotional benefits. Research shows that acts of kindness can boost happiness, reduce stress, and even improve overall well-being. One study by the National Institutes of Health found that giving activates the brain’s reward system, making us feel good both emotionally and physically. Just the act of helping someone else can create a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
  3. Encouraging a Culture of Generosity: When individuals give, they set an example for others to follow. Children who grow up seeing their parents give back are more likely to become generous adults themselves. Charity fosters empathy and compassion, and when these values are passed down, communities become more resilient in the face of challenges.
  4. Tax Benefits: Beyond the emotional and social advantages, charitable giving can provide tangible benefits, such as tax deductions. Donations to qualifying organizations are often tax-deductible, reducing an individual’s taxable income. This is a practical reason that encourages more people to contribute.
  5. Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Finally, charitable giving can be a pathway to personal growth. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating money, or offering expertise, giving allows people to step outside themselves and develop new skills, broaden their perspectives, and gain a sense of accomplishment.

In the end, charitable giving is a two-way street. Not only do recipients benefit from the generosity of others, but givers also experience a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment that enriches their lives in countless ways.

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True Story of Kindness: The Power of a Simple Gesture

In a world that often feels overwhelmed by negativity and self-interest, it’s always refreshing to come across stories that remind us of the simple, powerful impact of kindness. One such story took place in a small town in Oregon, where a stranger’s selfless act changed a family’s life.

It was a rainy afternoon when Sarah, a single mother of two, found herself stuck in a tight spot. Her car had broken down on the side of a busy highway, and with no roadside assistance plan and her funds already stretched thin, she didn’t know what to do. She could hardly afford a tow truck, and to make matters worse, she was supposed to pick her children up from school in just an hour.

As Sarah sat in her car, feeling helpless, a man in his mid-40s, named Mike, pulled up alongside her. He was driving a beat-up pickup truck, looking a bit worn but friendly. Mike rolled down his window and asked if she needed help. Sarah, feeling a bit apprehensive, explained her situation. She was surprised when Mike didn’t hesitate to offer his assistance.

Mike was a mechanic by trade, and despite having a busy schedule, he told Sarah he could take a quick look at her car. He worked with cars in his free time, helping those who couldn’t afford the high prices of garages. After a few minutes, Mike diagnosed the problem — the alternator had failed. With his expertise and a few basic tools from his truck, he managed to temporarily fix the issue enough to get Sarah to a nearby auto shop.

As the car sputtered to life, Sarah felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She offered to pay Mike for his time and effort, but he refused. “I’ve been in tough situations before, and someone helped me when I needed it,” he explained with a smile. “Now, it’s my turn to pass it on.”

Not only did Mike fix her car, but his gesture gave Sarah more than just the ability to drive her kids to school that afternoon — it reminded her of the good in people and restored her faith in humanity.

What’s remarkable about this story is its simplicity. Mike didn’t have to do anything extraordinary, yet his act of kindness made a world of difference for someone in need. It’s a reminder that good deeds don’t always have to be grand; sometimes, it’s the small, unexpected gestures that carry the most weight.

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Gathering together

It would seem that we are wired to gather together with others. According to Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, we are living in a period of time when coming together is more important than ever. Let’s explore why and when we gather.

Prehistoric hunter-gatherers often lived in groups of a few dozen people, consisting of several family units. There was diversity in an organized living space, allowing for the sharing of workload with a probable social network structure. With the prospect of various group configurations, there was an allowance to share, for example, large amounts of meat, when acquired, with other groups of neighboring communities. This provided sustenance, but also minimized waste. The concept of gathering also lays a foundation for language. Not needed when alone, the use of language allows for discussion regarding various important topics like hunting or child rearing strategies.

Communal living is still practiced today. It provides the opportunity to live in your own private space yet be part of a family. It may be practiced for financial reasons, for the social benefits, or to co-habitat with those of similar beliefs. Coexisting with others can be a treasure whereby fundamental needs are met, with a feeling of comfort and belonging.

In what ways do we, can we, gather together?

Conferences: As is said, iron sharpens iron. When we come together with a shared purpose to learn and grow, by sharpening each other’s blade, we become more effective tools. We can learn new skills from others while sharing our own.

Weddings: We can have a deeper sense of significance with key milestone moments when we gather in a symbolic ritual. There is some accountability when a couple makes promises to one another in the presence of witnesses. The ceremony represents the coming together of two families to support and hold the couple accountable for those promises to one another. It is a celebration of their bonded life together.

Funerals: This type of gathering provides a path for the processing of grief. Mourners have an opportunity to process the reality of what has happened. They can share memories of their loved one, while saying goodbye to that physical presence in their life. Sharing these aspects with others who may feel similarly, can be cathartic and healing. We can find comfort in this group setting.

Worship: Genesis 2:18 states God’s intent that we not be alone. As we engage in worship, we can encourage and be an inspiration to others. Non-believers can be influenced by love and good works. Mathew 18:20 says that where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, he will be with them. This supports the idea of a community of believers, not necessarily a building or institution.

Meals: It is a cultural custom to gather together around food. There seems significance in the breaking of bread together. Eating can be the most satisfying and joyful time of day. Why not share it with others? Not only does eating together create meaningful time, but studies show that not eating together has quantifiably negative effects on both physical and psychological well-being.

That are many ways to gather with others, both physically and virtually. Although we tend to gather with those that support us and our belief system, never underestimate the power of divine appointments. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable group setting, try to see the big picture. What good might come of it?

If you are feeling lonely, seek out groups and/or activities to provide the opportunity to gather with others. Share your light. Being willing and able to commune with others can provide perspective, cultivate inspiration, ease your burdens, and bring great joy.

References:

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/991/prehistoric-hunter-gatherer-societies

What is Communal Living?
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Graceful Tolerance

We’re living in a time of intense polarization among our fellow Americans. There are those that have such a passion for their beliefs, they do not allow others to express anything that may challenge it. In an effort to disqualify opposing views, they may attack or explode with toxic, abusive, and/or destructive behavior. This polarization is not just destroying relationships; it’s destroying our country.

With regard to politics, polarization has increased rapidly over the last 40 years. Meaning, citizens feel more negativity toward the other political party than their own. When people from differing political camps cease to respect each other, it’s much harder to make political compromises and to create good public policy.

In recent years, it seems that the divide reaches far beyond political opinions. Some people may be easily offended by others, with an insecure and unhealthy bias that is based on their own belief system.  With easy access to the internet and groups of various affiliation, it is quite easy to surround yourself with like minds, whether right or wrong.

Yet tolerance is the amazing quality of allowing others to do or believe what they want to do/believe, even if you do not agree with it. It is fair and objective. It does not judge nor condemn. Being tolerant of others is a moral virtue and a behavior we should all seek to characterize. Even further is acceptance, embracing and celebrating the differences of others.

When we tolerate the actions and beliefs of others, we are giving them grace, and giving grace to others is God’s will for us. With unconditional acceptance, we open the door to more wisdom, more peace, and more love. With grace, we provide the opportunity to learn from those with opposing views. And although we may believe that our way is the right way, given our humanistic capacity, we often fall short. We may seek to influence others with our own beliefs and maybe even change their minds, however, we need not fix our countenance on making it so.

Expressing tolerance for others can be beneficial for all involved. According to Psychology Today, showing tolerance to others allows them to learn from their consequences in their own time and find their way without trying to control them.

Ways to help you to tolerate others:

  1. Seek to understand their position
  2. Empathize with their beliefs
  3. Place emphasis on your similarities and ignore the differences
  4. Accept that uncertainty is ok
  5. Review your own beliefs, where they were derived, and whether valid

When you feel challenged with tolerance, check yourself first. Evaluate your thoughts and make sure that you are reacting from a healthy place. When your state of mind is disturbed by another, your ego may want to retaliate. Do not let it. Show patience with others by understanding that you yourself have likely, at some point, disturbed the peace of another. Whatever your surroundings may provide, you can always choose to grace with tolerance.

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The Blessing in Reconciliation

It is not unusual for people to drift in and out of our lives. They may stay for a season; they may stay for our lifetime; but there’s one thing I know for sure, divine appointments happen for a reason. They can be a blessing or a lesson.

It is also not unusual to find yourself in conflict with someone you care or cared about. We all carry emotional baggage that can trigger us or someone else. There can be misunderstanding, hurt or neglect that causes significant damage. As unfortunate as it may be, it’s possible for a conflict to affect a relationship so badly that it causes a separation. Forgiveness and reconciliation may seem impossible.

Scarlett shared a story about her dad with “Love What Matters.” He was an addict and died of an overdose in 2018. Their relationship had been difficult. Scarlett often found herself angry at him, angry at his comments, angry at his inability to do life, angry at his drunkenness and homelessness. Although she loved him, she frequently found herself embarrassed by him. Now that he is gone though, there is no chance of a healthy reconciliation. She is still angry, but she is angry at herself. She’s mad that she let her inability to forgive him affect the relationship. She says, “give forgiveness, because my regret over withholding it is stronger than all the anger I felt throughout the years. I forgave too late.”

Sometimes in life we have to choose between doing what’s easy and doing what’s right. Mending fences may not seem easy, but it may indeed be the right thing to do. The path to mending these vial connections starts with a foundation of forgiveness and a genuine desire for reconciliation. When we take the time to understand others and what they have been through, it may be possible that nothing is unforgivable.

Obstacles to forgiveness:

Pride – So long as you are hurt, you may feel that you are better than the person who hurt you.

Shame – You will need to come to terms with what happened.

Seeking vengeance – Retaliation is rarely noble and often unnecessary.

Clinging to being a victim – do you feel special status with being a victim?

In reality, to reconcile means to forgive, and to forgive means to let go of resentment and anger. For your part, take a look at your responsibility in the separation, if any. If self-forgiveness is needed, give yourself that gift. Empathy and compassion are great tools. Empathy helps you to understand another and compassion encourages you to take the action needed to reduce suffering.

Don’t wait until it is too late to reconcile a relationship. You can take action now. Release the negative emotions, forgive them, and reach out. Do what you know to be right, and don’t be a Scarlett.

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The Passion in Compassion

In 1995 Christopher Reeve became paralyzed from the neck down following a horse-riding accident.  He landed on his head, suffering a cervical spinal injury after shattering his first and second vertebrae. From that point on, Christopher was dependent on a wheelchair for mobility and a respirator for breathing. His wife Dana is known for her compassionate caregiving and support of her husband, post tragedy.

While compassion and empathy both refer to a caring response to someone’s distress, compassion can lead to action. For example, Dana’s compassion for her husband’s fate invoked a passion to care for him. Compassion creates space to suffer along with others, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate that suffering.

With bible translation, compassion means to have mercy, to feel sympathy and to have pity. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul directs them to “be kind to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

How can we show compassion for others?

First we must see, acknowledge, and feel the suffering of others. As we seek to make the world a better place, we can be motivated to improve the lives of others, to give what is needed, to show humility and the light of humanity. We can speak kindly and softly, advocate on other’s behalf, and offer resources, while showing empathy to their strife.

We were not created to live on an island. We are meant to live in harmony with others. The gift(s) you give to others can never be taken away. It becomes part of your and their history, withstanding all aspects of time. What does it cost you to be kind? If you find yourself in a place of abundance, look to share it with someone less fortunate. It’s really a win-win. Associate with the difficulties of others, honor and respect where they are, and give what you can, whether it be time, service, or money. You can lift up another, and with that true and honest compassion, lift yourself.

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Trusting

Trust:  A firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

The term ‘trust’ can be used to describe a belief in the truth of an object, for example, “I believe that the rope bridge is safe, therefore I will venture across it.” Yet more often, the term is used in the context of a relationship. To trust in someone is to rely on their integrity and a belief that what they communicate through words and deeds is indeed true.

In the initial stages of a relationship, you don’t really know the person yet, so there could be no trust, or you may trust not so much based on their words or behavior, but rather on your personal bias towards others. For example, if you have not been betrayed in the past, you may be more likely to trust quickly. There are no rules that outline how long it should take to trust. Trusting may be more about the personalities involved than about any allotted timeframe. No matter the circumstance, the trust of others should never be abused or taken for granted.

Trusting in the ways of life is easy when things appear in flow, but to trust when your life is falling apart, that takes a great deal of faith. When life is challenging, and you feel that you have no one to turn to, know that you always have someone in your corner. Someone who will have your back, who will listen with empathy and guide with compassion. Our God is trustworthy and steady. Seek out his wisdom and spend some quiet time listening for his guidance.

The truth is, God is everywhere. He is on the mountain top and he is in the valley. He is in the sunshine and in the rain. He is in the cries of the newborn, and the smiles of the elderly. Know that you are here for a reason and whether you are on the mountain or in the valley, God is with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. He hears your prayers and understands you heart. Trust in his will for you. Trust in his timing.

As you trust in him, be yourself trustworthy. There is a saying that states, “Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.” We may not have the ability to control the words and deeds of others, but we can be a person of integrity ourselves. We can be an example of truth to others. We can proclaim our truth and live by it.

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Living Authentically

Authenticity is the degree to which a person’s actions are congruent with their values and desires, despite external pressures to social conformity.

The world may direct you to be someone or something that does not correspond to your true authentic self. When you follow that direction, you are being inauthentic. Learn to quiet the noise of the world; restrain your desire to place value on how the rest of the world is thinking. What is authentic to you is what you feel in the core and depth of your being, in innocence. For the innocent heart is not needy and needs not the approval of others.

Anytime that you see yourself not living authentically, take a deep breath and let your illusions be shattered by becoming transparent and telling the truth. You may feel a sense of isolation in being authentic, yet, you no longer will feel the need to look a certain way, or succeed a certain way so the judgment of the world can nod its head in affirmation. When you do not live in authenticity, you create imprisonment for the soul. Begin the process of discovering what thoughts, beliefs, and values are yours and not merely the influence of others.

Ask yourself:

  • Where am I being inauthentic?
  • Where am I just showing up in a way that others expect me to?
  • Where am I following a certain ideology so that I might feel superior to those that are not?
  • Where am I denying my humanity in order to present a specific image to another?

When we truly step into who we are, living authentically, we cultivate deeper relationships while respecting ourselves and others more fully. We can have the courage to stand tall in our character and surrender to the outcome. As we do so, we create space to relax and expand in our truth. When we trust the journey to authenticity, we are beautifully and wonderfully made anew.

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Hope Versus Faith

On a very hot day, Andrew found himself lost in the desert. Completely out of water, he could not get his bearings nor find his way back to his starting point. He was desperately searching for signs of water when he spotted what appeared to be a small hut in the distance. Thinking it could be an illusion, he continued walking towards it until he reached it. When he opened the door, he found no one there. Seemingly abandoned for some time, he was surprised to find a hand pump. Overcome with thirst, he started pumping, but there were no signs of water. He was finally overcome by exhaustion. He then searched the hut and found a bottle of water hidden in the corner. He was so grateful and prepared to drink it, when he found a note attached to it. The paper stated, “please use this water to start the pump. It works. After you are done, do not forget to refill the bottle again.”

He had to make a choice. He could drink the water in the bottle, or he could use the water to prime the pump to get abundant water. He couldn’t help but think, “but will the pump work if I use the water?” If not, he would waste the much needed water. Could he trust the words on the paper?

He paused for a moment, closed his eyes, and prayed. Then he poured the water from the bottle into the pump and began pumping. Soon, he heard a bubbling sound, and water began pouring from the pump. He drank his fill, filled his bottle, then refilled the bottle from the hut. Afterward, he saw a pencil and map which explained the direction to a nearby village.

How did hope play a role in Andrew’s predicament? Hope can be defined as a wish or desire for a particular event, an event considered possible. It seems quite feasible that he was hoping to find water. According to Harvard University, hope is beginning to reveal its value in scientific studies. Hope can provide an opportunity for us to process events that seem unsurmountable. As an essential component of our well-being, hope can foster positivity, even in the face of its absence.

How did faith play a role in Andrew’s predicament? Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. It is to trust in something that cannot be explicitly proven. When Andrew made the decision to pour the only available water into the pump, he had faith that the pump would then produce even more water. Trust was needed to actually pour the water.

Hope and faith are distinct yet complementary. When Andrew believed that the pump would work, he had faith. At the same time, that belief kindled joy, which was hope. Without faith, there is no hope, and without hope, there is not true faith.  

In 1 Corinthians 13:13, we are called to abide in faith, hope, and love. Faith and hope are instrumental to our ability to cope with the world around us. Therefore, go forth in faith, knowing the impact hope plays on your health and well-being. Continue to hope, and may faith always guide you.

References:

https://www.gotquestions.org/difference-faith-hope.html
3 Inspiring Short Stories on Faith to Make You Trust Yourself